A message from our CEO, Jim Clarken

It is with great pleasure that I take up the role of Chief Executive of Oxfam Ireland .

Oxfam is a global movement of people, working to overcome poverty, suffering and injustice. We work to relieve suffering caused by natural and man-made disasters. We support the long-term development of communities to overcome chronic poverty and we campaign to change policies that affect the lives of poor people.

Oxfam Ireland is now reaching its 10th anniversary as a fully independent member of the Oxfam global movement. During these past ten years, we have grown dramatically to become one of the most significant development agencies on the island of Ireland . Some of the successes during this time include:

• Investing substantial funds and expertise in our partners on the ground in developing countries, helping them to improve the lives of their communities
• Campaigning on a whole range of issues which affect poor people's lives including opposition to the EU's restrictive trading agreements with developing countries, calling for a treaty governing the international trade in small arms and highlighting the impact of Climate Change on poor people.
• Pioneering the development of the Fairtrade movement in Ireland and also setting up our own Fairtrade stores in Dublin , Belfast , Cork and Galway .
• Growing our charity retail network to nearly 50 shops throughout the island
• Recruiting and developing a strong team of dedicated staff and volunteers who ensure that we achieve our objectives.

I have recently come back from a visit to JOHAP (Joint Oxfam HIV&AIDS Programme) in South Africa where I saw at first hand how the efforts of our supporters in Ireland impact on the lives of communities devastated by this pandemic. I met women who have been given assistance to develop livelihoods for themselves and their families. Because JOHAP partners have created programmes which help in this way, their children will be the first generation to get the benefits of a proper education, helping them to break out of the cycle of poverty. JOHAP supports over twenty partners across a range of activities including developing their campaigning capabilities to access their right to Anti-Retro-Viral (ARV) medicines to combat the disease and to government support for sufferers. Without Oxfam's input, many would never have the knowledge or ability to pursue these rights.

As I arrive at Oxfam Ireland , I am delighted to say the organisation is in great shape and I look forward to working with our staff, volunteers and supporters to bring it through its next stage of development. It is my ambition for Oxfam Ireland to become one of the key development agencies on the island of Ireland; to be the strong campaigning voice on the issues that really influence the lives of the poorest people and to be an increasingly influential member of the global Oxfam International movement delivering ever greater assistance to the people that we serve.

You will see from this website the many ways in which you can become involved in this exciting, energetic and dynamic global movement. Our vision is a just world without poverty. Please join us in making this vision a reality.

Thank you,

Jim Clarken
Chief Executive
Oxfam Ireland

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